N4L 022: "Soulful Simplicity" by Courtney Carver

Courtney Carver teaches us how to declutter as well as make space for joy. The book "Soulful Simplicity" is an extension of her minimalist blog, BeMoreWithLess.com, where she continues to chronicle her journey of living with less. The book was born of Carver’s own painful wakeup call being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (M.S.).  Forced to slow down, she began digging herself out of debt while also letting go of stuff. Now, years later, she recognizes decluttering was only the beginning of letting go.With every item she releases, she also lets go of guilt, frustration, and exhaustion.  Carver overhauled her closet and her shopping patterns with Project 333, her brainchild for paring down her wardrobe. Now, she invites others to join her in limiting apparel to 33 items for a 3-month period. Meanwhile, she cautions against substituting shopping for unmet emotional needs. Instead, she suggests we avoid over-purchasing by trading shopping habits for self-care practices. For example, getting massages or taking walks can satisfy our souls far more than making a trip to the mall. Carver sets an example of how to stay in close contact with our authentic selves. She begins each day with a mindful morning routine of breathing slowly and holding her hands over her heart. Then, before connecting with technology, she commits to connecting with people she truly cares about. To resist being swept up in the daily rat race, she proposes we adopt a “Busy Boycott.” For 21 days, we agree not to mention how busy we are, then we do less and say no. In the same vein, she encourages us to reclaim the lost art of “Lingering Longer.” As Carver says, “We don’t remove clutter, reduce the stress, and boycott busyness to have a simple life. We do it have a life.” BUY Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More Go to Carver's blog Music Credit Sound Editing Credit